Stiff task awaits hosts Belarus

Hosts Belarus face a testing task in the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship after being paired with Germany, France and Switzerland in the draw for the finals in Minsk.

Powerful section
The tournament, running from 13 to 25 July, will be the first time Belarus has hosted a UEFA showpiece of this kind. Standing in their way in Group A are a Germany team who have won two of the last three editions, 2003 champions France and a Swiss side who helped eliminate holders Italy in their second qualifying round group. "Even before the draw we knew it would be stiff fight, and that hasn't changed now!" said France coach Jean-Michel Degrange. "It could be all down to which team is in the better shape on the day. I am looking forward to start of the tournament."

Nordic trio
Last year's runners-up Norway are the star attraction in a Group B featuring Nordic rivals Sweden and Iceland. England, who reached the final of the tournament hosted by Iceland in 2007, complete the quartet. "We have a very strong group: all the teams are equal and the matches will be tough," said England manager Mo Marley. "That said, the other group is difficult as well and it is almost impossible to predict the winner. I am sure, though, that all the encounters will be interesting and tough."

World Cup ambition
The top two in each group will progress to the last four. This year's finals will also act as a qualifier for the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Germany, with four teams vying to join the host country. Meanwhile, Italy were today chosen as hosts of the 2011 UEFA European Women's U19 Championship finals. FYR Macedonia will stage next year's event.